74 Smart Ways to Make Healthier Pizza (That Still Tastes Amazing)

These days, Dominos just doesn’t cut it. We created this epic list of all the healthiest pizza fixings so you can build exactly what you (and your body) wants.

And don’t stop before you get to the bottom: We’re hiding five super-special Greatist favorite pizza recipes down there. But first, some pizza-prepping tips:

Keep the oven HOT. At least 450 degrees, hot—500 is even better. That way you get the crispy crust without the soggy middle.

Don’t overload on the toppings. That’s a thin little base you got there—treat it well. Add only a thin layer of each goodie and keep heavy items to a minimum.

Bake or toast the crust before adding the good stuff. Nothing’s worse than a soggy middle! Make sure it can support the toppings before loading them on.

Be careful with moist toppings and cheeses. If the tomatoes are juicy when they get layered on, they’ll transfer that moisture to the crust. Keep these toppings to a minimum, and try to remove any excess liquid.

Try cooking it on the grill! This method adds a great smoky flavor and delicious grill marks.

Buy premade crust (if you want). No need to go gourmet chef. In fact, many small pizza parlors will sell their handmade dough fresh for you to bake at home.

14. Sliced Tomatoes

15. Garlic Coconut Cream

For a healthified white pizza, try this roasted garlic coconut sauce—simply garlic cloves, coconut milk, and a pinch of salt. This adds a touch of sweetness to a classically savory dish.

16. Salsa

Kick the tomato base up a notch and use salsa as the spread! This’ll add a spicy kick to the pizza pie, and is a great start to the perfect Mexican pizza.

17. Pesto

Go green with a basil pesto sauce on top of the crust. Made with nuts and fresh basil, this sneaky sauce adds some healthy greens and omega-3’s to bump up nutritional value.

18. Pumpkin

They’re not just for carving! Pumpkin purée is a creative addition to traditional pizza sauce to add some sweetness and fun fall flavor.

19. Garlic Paste

Going super simple? Make your own garlic paste (with only some quick chopping!) and spread evenly over the crust. Warning: Garlic breath will follow (but it’s so worth it).

20. Mushroom Tapenade

Think outside the box! Try whipping up a mushroom tapenade as the base to a perfect rich, savory pizza. A nice thin layer will leave plenty of room for other toppings and cheese.

21. Olive Tapenade

Not a huge fan of mushrooms? Go classic with an olive tapenade for a similar, salty spread on any pizza crust. (This works especially well with Mediterranean-inspired toppings like fresh tomato, feta, and oregano.)

22. Hummus

For a Middle-Eastern flare on this favorite Italian dish, swap the sauce for creamy hummus. The chickpeas will add extra fiber and protein and satisfy any taste bud. Try topping this creative sauce with freshly shredded veggies!

23. Carrot Purée

24. Refried Bean Dip

Transform a can of beans into a tasty spread for any pizza crust. Go with traditional refried beans or mash up black beans—the possibilities are endless. This is another great base for Mexican pizza.

25. Onion and garlic jam

This recipe caught our eye and we couldn’t resist. This unique, sweet and savory jam could be the pizza “sauce” you’ve always been looking for! Plus, it’s clearly super chic. We suggest topping with a few dollops of goat cheese and some fresh arugula.

26. White Bean Spread

Take this spin on traditional hummus for something super smooth andpacked with antioxidants. Add some sliced tomatoes and Parmesan cheese for the perfect late-night snack.

27. BBQ Sauce

To create your own barbeque-based pizza without the extra sugar, start with a homemade sauce. It’ll add a spicy tang any pizza loverwill enjoy.

28. Peanut Sauce

To really switch things up, whip up a healthy peanut sauce. Try topping with some grilled chicken, cilantro, and bean sprouts for an Asian-inspired pizza dish.

29. Ricotta Cheese With Honey and Cinnamon

This one goes great on sweet or savory pizza. Simply spread over the crust and top with whatever you like.

30. Dark Chocolate Spread (or Nutella)

OK, this one’s purely for a decadent dessert pizza. But even healthy eaters need some sweets once in a while!

38. Turkey Pepperoni

Veggies

39. Chard

This leafy green is an awesome source of calcium and potassium, and goes great between some crust and cheese. Try this Swiss chard pizza with pesto and dough of your choice! (Our choice is whole wheat.)

57. Polenta

Fruit

58. Grilled Peaches

This naturally sweet treat doesn’t have to be eaten alone. Grilled peaches make a great pizza topping, especially when paired with caramelized onions and fresh basil. Or, throw on a crust with a sweeter sauce for a fruit-filled dessert pizza.

59. Figs

They’re not only for Newtons. Take fresh figs with a handful of arugula and a thin layer of ricotta cheese for a pie that’s as classy as it is delicious.

60. Pears

Thinly sliced pears take any pizza pie to the next level. Top with goat or gorgonzola cheese and crushed pistachios, and get ready to sign yourself up for the next Iron Chef battle.

61. Apples

This is a different kind of apple pie. Slice up apples for an added crunch and sweetness. Pair with arugula and goat cheese for a real savorycrowd pleaser, or layer on top of a chocolate sauced pizza for an inventive dessert.

62. Pineapple

Now we can head to the Caribbean in the kitchen! Pineapples are a fun addition to any pizza, and go great with grilled chicken and BBQ sauce. We dare you to not go back for seconds (or thirds…).

63. Avocado

64. Blueberries

Stay with us: This tiny, antioxidant-filled berry goes perfectly on a pizza! With a little ricotta cheese and fresh herbs, this is a light and delicious dish for anytime of the day. Or go dessert mode with a chocolate or sweetened ricotta base and some other berry friends, too!

65. Strawberries

No surprise here. Strawberries can add a touch of sweetness to a basil, balsamic, arugula, and mozzarella pizza for dinner, or pair perfectly with blueberries for a dessert pizza, too!

66. Grapes

A sprinkling of grapes throughout a pie can promise a sweet and juicy mouthful. No fast food joint can top that! (Try pairing with gorgonzola for a seriously chic wine and cheese-themed pizza!)

Cheese

67. Fresh Mozzarella

Skip the gobs of shredded stuff and add some fresh mozzarella instead. One ounce (about the size of 4 dice, or about 1 thick slice) clocks in only 70 calories, so tear it up go top off your perfect pie.

68. Goat

This tangy cheese comes from goats’ milk (surprise!) and has less fat and more protein than other cheeses. Sounds like a winner to us.

69. Cottage Cheese

For something a little more unique, cottage cheese is a great (low-fat) option for all the cheese-lovers among us.

70. Gorganzola

Though rich cheeses like gorganzola and other blues are made from full-fat dairy, their pungent flavors allow you to use way less and get the same flavor and texture. Plus, they’re perfect to pair with fruit toppings.

71. Ricotta

This cheese works as both a sauce and cheese topping. It’s creamy, low in fat, and damn delicious.

72. Parmesan

Shredded parm is another healthier cheese option, since a little bit can go a long way. Sprinkle some on top of a cooked pie for the perfect ending to your creation!

73. Feta

74. Tofu

If cheese isn’t your cup of tea, try this tofu “cheese” recipe for all the bold flavors of cheese with none of the dairy!

Not feeling super creative? Try one of these five Greatist-approved favorite combos today:

BAG Pizza: That’s beet, arugula, and goat cheese, my friends. Start with a whole-wheat crust, spread on a thin layer of goat cheese (yes, as the sauce, not the topping!). Layer on some roasted beets and drizzle with oil. Bake until crispy, and top with a handful of fresh arugula before serving. Drizzle with some high-quality balsamic vinegar for extra umph.

Fall Harvest Pie: Take a tortilla and toast until slightly crisp. Remove from oven and top with pumpkin purée, chicken sausage, sweet potato, and kale. Say hello to all of fall’s best!

Green Goddess: Start with a zucchini crust. Add pesto. Top with anything and everything green: broccoli, spinach, asparagus, and artichokes… and anything else you can imagine. Dollop with some pieces of fresh mozzarella, and bake until crisp.

Fruit Salad Pie: On a whole-wheat crust, spread a thin layer of ricotta cheese. Bake until the cheese starts to brown. Top with sliced figs, grapes, strawberries, and blueberries. Add a drizzle of honey for some extra sweetness.

Twisted Sausage and Pepper: On a whole-wheat pita, spread a few tablespoons of fresh tomato sauce. Top with sautéed onions, multi-colored peppers, and sliced chicken sausage. Top that with some mozzarella cheese and a sprinkling of fresh herbs.